50 Cent is leaving Interscope, the Universal-backed label that launched him into superstardom, and will take his G-Unit Records independent. The Queens-born rapper has signed a worldwide distribution agreement with Caroline/Capitol/UMG, paving the way for the release of new album Animal Ambition on June 3rd. The deal, announced through a press release from the label, marks the end of a period of uncertainty over when and where 50 Cent would drop his follow-up to 2009?s Before I Self Destruct, his most recent studio album. Despite clashes over the composition and timing of the new record over the past few years, Interscope had only kind words for him today. (Forbes)

Shady Records head Eminem almost immediately issued a statement on Fif’s exit.

“Both myself and Shady Records are grateful to have had the chance to play a part in 50?s career,” he said in the statement. “Shady simply would not be what it is without 50 Cent. I’ve developed a great friendship with 50 over the years, and that’s not going to change. We know 50 will have success in his new situation, and we remain supporters of both him and G-Unit.” (Forbes)

“50 Cent is who he is, so what he’s doing is very intelligent because that brand is solidified,” he says. Stat Quo continues: “Eventually it’s just a natural progression. He’s as big as he’s going to get under that situation. At this time, it’s time to do something else with his career. It’s the thing that I say about Game–it’s the natural evolution. All these guys that are coming out that people love now, Game had the opportunity to sign a lot of these guys. He just wasn’t in that mindset at the time to be nurturing careers. But now he’s there now. It’s about evolution. It’s about evolving as a man, as a human being.” (HHDX)